Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid honours fallen at Commemoration Day ceremony

Tribute paid to those who died in service of the UAE and from Covid-19 while working to contain the virus

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attended a Commemoration Day ceremony at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

During the evening event, Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to those who died in service of their country and honoured their families.

The ceremony began with the arrival of Sheikh Mohammed, who laid a wreath at the Martyr's Monument as an army band played. This was followed by a 21-gun salute and the national anthem was played.

Sheikh Mohammed presented the families of the fallen with the Martyr's Medal in honour of their sacrifices. The medals were presented to the mother of Ahmed Omar, father of Ali Alsaadi, brother of Mohamed Alabdouli, and the father of Tariq Albaloushi.

Following an order from President Sheikh Khalifa to establish a Fallen Frontline Heroes Order for medics who died of Covid-19 while working to protect the country from the pandemic, Sheikh Mohammed presented the award to the families of Dr Sudhir Rambhau Washimkar and Dr Bassam Bernieh.

Dr Muhammad Usman Khan, Ahmed Al Sebaei, Anvar Ali, and nurses Lezly Orione and Marlon Jimenea were also honoured posthumously.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE would remember those who died in the country's service.

“We thank Allah Almighty for blessing us with valiant men and women who have lived up to their promises to this nation," he said.

"We commemorate today their children who responded to their call of duty, fought and died while defending our country, it's dignity, sovereignty and independence."

Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, delivered a speech at Monday's ceremony, in which he spoke of the noble qualities of those who died. He said their sacrifices will always be a source of pride for Emiratis and that their heroic actions will forever be etched in the nation’s history.

Air Force aircraft flew over Wahat Al Karama as part of the ceremony, which was also attended by other ministers and government officials.

Tributes were paid across the country as landmarks lit up with the Commemoration Day motif.

In the capital, Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Adnoc headquarters, Khalifa University and The W Hotel on Yas Island each displayed a message to mark the event.